Our view: GED expansion at jail a great move

Updated 10:45 am, Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Staff at the Midland County Jail do not want their guests to return once their sentences are over.

An arrangement between the Education and Training Center and Midland County could help keep inmates from returning for additional stays.

The county currently contracts with ETC to provide Midland County Jail inmates with GED/high school completion as well as other related training. However, approximately 1.5 years ago, testing requirements changed, necessitating the test to be completed online.

To solve the problem of inmates lacking computer skills and access, ETC will be placing computers at the jail. ETC will own and maintain the computers while the county will provide Internet access along with storage of computer equipment.

There is no financial consideration between the two agencies as part of the arrangement and the county will not be liable for breaches or other issues on ETC’s computers. They will have Internet access, but only to certain sites pertinent to the program.

The arrangement is a smart one as it will also allow the county to eventually save money on the GED test by providing it themselves rather than having to outsource the tests to a provider.

The goal of educating inmates is a good one as it will provide tools for individuals to stay out of jail. This new arrangement will help the program adapt to the changing system and keep it going.